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Mayor Dale V.C. Holness was born in Hanover, Jamaica, W.I. and migrated to the United States at 17 years old. He graduated from Plantation High School and then attended Broward College, where he served on the Student Government as a Freshman Senator. He became a General Manager at McDonalds at 20 years old and bought his first house at 22 years old. He became a Realtor in 1983 and then started his own real estate company, All Broward Realty, in 1988. At the peak of the company’s operations, he had over 80 agents, a mortgage division and completed over 600 transactions per year. He still invests in real estate and All Broward Realty, is now being led by his daughter Richelle Dahlia Holness.
Named Legacy Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and by South Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration 2017 Elected Official of the Year, his political record is well documented in his many years of public service as a Lauderhill City Commissioner & Vice-Mayor (2007, 2010) plus his terms from November 2010 – Present, serving as Broward County Mayor from 2019 – 2020. His district population is in excess of 200,000 people and covers over 8 municipalities.
Mayor Dale V.C. Holness’ efforts include but are not limited to:
• Chair of the Broward Black Elected Officials. Under his leadership he has devised the Broward Black Action Plan that focuses on Broward County’s black communities which include Economic Development/Black Business Growth, Employment, Criminal Justice, Education, Housing, Transportation and Health.
• Visionary & Architect for Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE), an annual event held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward Convention Center, which in 2018, attracted over 3,100 attendees including: international businesses, local businesses, multi-cultural global trade representatives from over 50 countries, federal, state and local trade agencies, and government leaders from around the world. Several companies have relocated to Broward as a result of this annual event. He believes tat we should be selling more of our goods to the world and not let China dominate the market. We should be more competitive, especially to countries where we have strong immigrant populations living in the USA.
• Led the effort for a $20 million economic development package and community improvement programs for Central Broward District 9 and proposed and got adopted that the Broward County’s long-term strategic plan include the goal to make Broward County the international trade center to the world for the state of Florida. When he arrived at Broward County the percentage for CBE participation was at 10 ¼%. Because of his leadership, it has now reached 39%. This is in part because of a creation of a mentor/protégé program, breaking large contracts into small components, active recruitment of small, minority and women-owned businesses, and removing restrictions that limits participation of small, minority and women-owned businesses in contracting opportunities. Participation is at a higher level than ever before! Mayor Holness’ colleagues on the Commission have credited him for his leadership regarding the increase of small, minority and women-owned businesses in contracting opportunities with the County.
• Instrumental in passing the Broward County Surtax, a 30-year, one cent surtax for transportation. He also ensured that there is a 30% participation goal for certified County Business Enterprise (CBE) firms for all eligible projects funded by the surtax. This could potentially mean millions of dollars annually and billions of dollars over the 30-year duration of this innovative initiative for local contractors.
• Leading force and organizer behind the Lauderhill Mall Citizenship Drives, with nearly 5,000 citizenship applications processed.
• Sponsored the ordinance for the expansion of Broward County’s Adult Civil Citation Program.
• Sponsored the resolution for the expansion of Broward County’s current Living Wage Ordinance.
• Lead the efforts to build 120 new single-family homes in the Broward Municipality Services District.
• Sponsored an additional Homestead Exemption (from $25,000 to $50,000) for persons 65 and older allowing for low income senior property owners who qualify for the extra property tax reduction. This allows for lower property tax.
• As a Lauderhill Commissioner, Holness started the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, which currently has over 300 members and he also established The Lauderhill Business Incubator.
• Required $2.5 million to be allocated towards park improvements in District 9 allowing for residents to have clean recreation and public open spaces for their families.
• Sponsored Ban the Box ordinance, a law that refrains any person from being questioned about a prior criminal record or authorization for a background check until they are among a pool of potential finalists for a particular job within Broward County government.
• Co-chair of the United Negro College Fund annual fundraising luncheon.
• Prior trade missions include India, Nigeria, Colombia, Jamaica, Israel, St. Eustatius, Haiti, Dominican Republic
• Planned trade missions to Bangladesh, Panama, Ghana
• Key organizer in Andrew Gillum’s campaign for Governor of Florida. Historic win as the first African American for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Florida. Mayor Holness’ real estate office, All Broward Realty, was the 2nd campaign office for Andrew Gillum, located in Broward County.
• Signed $2.6 billion expansion for the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, $3.2 billion Port Everglades Seaport expansion and $1,750,000 million for the Convention Center and Hotel expansion.
• Holds a monthly Economic and Job Creation meeting

Mayor Holness supports capitalizing on Broward County’s geographic uniqueness as the Gateway to the Americas and maximizing our assets in Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. He is a strong advocate for small, minority and women-owned businesses, as well as improving economic development opportunities for all. His focus will always remain on improving the economy, getting people back to work, increasing opportunities for home ownership and helping those who are going through hard times.
He has been relentless, aggressive and strategic in his plan that economic prosperity must include all the people of Broward County. His mission statement and goal as Mayor is to: Make Broward County a better place for all who live here by empowering our community, strengthening our households and businesses, creating policies that afford access to opportunities and by unifying everyone across racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. We monitor and hold our government accountable. His 2050 Plan focuses on the theme: Broward 2050: One Community Moving Forward Together with Prosperity for All. The Plan focuses on: Economic/Employment, Housing and Homelessness, Education, Criminal Justice, Health, Environment and Transportation.
He is also active in many local and international civic organizations including but not limited to Broward County Children’s Services Board; Haitian American Leadership Organization, Member; HIV Planning Council; Broward League of Cities; Lauderhill Regional Chamber, Founding Member; Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization; Caribbean Democratic Club; Broward Housing Council, Member; Broward Democratic Black Caucus; and NAACP Life Member.
Awards include but not limited to: The Reverend Samuel Delevoe Award of Excellence, Small Business Advocate of the Year Award from US Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency, Community Advocate Award from Harmony Development Center, Mosaic Group Vanguard Award for Leadership, Global Trade Chamber of Commerce’s Global Trade Ambassador of the Year, Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE), Inc., “Answering the Call Award,” The PR Annual Shining Star Award from the PR Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Broward County, Community Service Award from the Rev. Samuel J. Delevoe Civic Association at the 2015 Black History Celebration, Legacy Magazine Public Official of the Year, T.J. Reddick Bar Association Community Service Award, Opportunities Industrial Center (OIC) of South Florida Champion of Change Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter Men of Distinction, Excellence, and Leadership Award, Haitian American Democratic Club Ally Award, Community Service Award – Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, and many more.

Paola Isaac Baraya is the Economic Development Specialist-International Trade at the Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development. Ms. Isaac’s role involves educating Broward businesses on exporting and developing as well as implementing international trade policies and strategies to further the County’s position as a global center within the South Florida Region and within the United States. Ms. Isaac’s assists Broward County businesses to reach global markets through signature seminar series such as the Export Readiness Seminar, the 11 Steps to Exporting – A Roadmap to your Exporting Success, Doing Business with the World, Florida Export Opportunities in International Markets and one of the largest annual conference for international trade in the State of Florida called the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) that she has been organizing for 5 years. Her role also involves organizing international trade missions, strengthening worldwide partnerships for the County and acting as protocol officer for international affairs for the Mayor as well as the County’s Board of Commissioners.
Prior to working at the County, Ms. Isaac worked as International Business Manager for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the public/private official economic development organization for Broward County, where she attracted numerous companies from around the world to the County creating hundreds of high-paying jobs in target industry sectors and brought millions of dollars in capital investment.
Ms. Isaac was also Executive Office Director and Board Member of Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International where she was instrumental in maintaining the organization activities with its 18 sister cities around the world and assisted the organization to win two national awards with the Sister Cities Headquarters in Washington D.C.
In 2019, Ms. Isaac’s work at Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development was recognized through the “President’s E Award for Export Service”, the highest honor by Executive Order of the President for contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports, and the National Association of Counties “NACo Achievement Award” for the 11 Steps to Exporting. In 2015, Ms. Isaac was also recipient of the “Distinguished Woman of Year” Award presented by the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce and the “International Promoter of the Year’ Award by the Global Trade Chamber. Lastly, in 2013, Ms. Isaac was recipient of the “International Business Woman of Year” award in the Service Category presented to her by the Founder of Angie’s List at the Organization of Women in International Trade’s (OWIT) Annual Awards Luncheon.
Born in Montreal, Canada, Ms. Isaac holds a Bachelors Degree of Commerce from McGill University and a Masters of Science in Business Administration from the University of Montreal (HEC) where she published her thesis: “Effects of Mall Atmospherics on Perceptions, Emotions and Approach-avoidance Behaviors Moderated by a Shoppers’ Typology in Different Shopping Mall Formats” and were she was featured on the cover on the Montreal Gazette for
Ms. Isaac is fluent in French, Italian, Spanish and has some understanding of German and Portuguese.

Md. Khaleque, An entrepreneur and a philosopher

Md. Khaleque, the founder of Pacific Group, a globally renowned industrial group in Bangladesh, is one of the few people in the world who constantly pursues truth-seeking, embracing humanity and human qualities rather than money and wealth. He is an enterprising and self-confident artistic figure in his career but there is a presence of philosophical thought between life and perception in his mind as well
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Entrepreneur Md. Khaleque was born in an aristocratic business family in Mirpur Upazila in Kushtia District. His father used to trade cloths at Alamdanga town. He was revered as Haji Saab. Md. Khaleque was very meritorious from his childhood. He passed SSC examination from Halsa High School, Kushtia and HSC from Kushtia Government College. Thereafter, he completed honors and post-graduate in English Literature from Rajshahi University.

While studying in college and university, Md. Khaleque was involved in leftist student politics. But he was sincere enough about his studies and religious discipline. He used to stay at University’s Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy Hall. Although many of his close friends encouraged him to skip classes or get drunk but he was firm on moral ethics. He thought his father made a lot of money. That money should not be wasted at all.

As a child from a business family, he never thought of becoming a businessman throughout of his student life. From childhood, he wanted to become a pilot. Although his dream didn’t come true but he used to spend a lot of time on planes for business purposes.
The self-confident and visionary Md. Khaleque started a buying house and indenting business establishing Pacific Impex Ltd in 1992. He alone used to supply machineries in different factories, take orders, place orders in different factories shipment, banking activities etc. He also had to travel different countries. He did not like to leave any work undone. He firms in the saying that commitment is commitment. He learned from his father that maintaining commitment in business is more important than capital.

Thereafter, Md. Khaleque established a garment industry. Under his efficient management, Pacific Group has expanded its business not only in the country, but also in the United States. He has built few multi storied commercial building in Dhaka such as Pacific Tower. The headquarters of Industrial Police is located in his building and he owns IBN SINA Diagnostic Complex in Uttara as well. He also constructed Pacific Industrial Complex in Ashulia, Dhaka and few Residential buildings in Uttara, Dhaka. He has homes in both Toronto and New York.

He is very pious in his personal life but not fanatical. His late father used to teach them about their religious discipline. It is not limited to prayers and fasting. He used to say that we should thing about making any harm to any human beings. We must help the poor and unprivileged people. Aiming to do this, he has established madrasas, orphanages and schools in his village to impart education to poor and helpless people. He has been financially helping hundreds of Mosques and madrasas, schools and colleges in Mirpur and Bheramara Upazila in Kushtia and Alamdanga Upazila in Chuadanga since last 20 years. He has also been helping his friends and family of Bangladeshi Americans and Canadian who are in any problems in Bangladesh during visit and also helping their families too, even he has helped so many people who he doesn’t know personally but they know him as facebook friend.
Md. Khaleque sometimes has to go to New York, sometimes to Dhaka and sometimes to his village home. Sometimes, he has to go to his mother, to the madrasa and school including his relatives. His wife and children live in both Toronto and New York. A large part of the business is in Dhaka. While he stays in Kushtia, he feels the smell of the soil mixed with the affection of his parents. In his own words, ‘I live in abroad but my soul, all happiness and peace lies in Dhaka. When I come to my soil, my mind fills with peace. I can feel the selfless love and affection of my parents here.”
In this regard, he conveys his deep feelings in such a way that, “My body is in America and my mind, my consciousness and my soul are lying on the ground of Bangladesh as my whole body touching the ground.
Md. Khaleque is not only known as an entrepreneurial businessman in both Bangladesh and the United States but also a philosophical image in his message. He is not confined himself to worldly business or the thought of reforming life. Everywhere of his psychological world, there is a space of spiritual thoughts and consciousness where pure and fragrant buds are blooming all the time. When people are robbing bank’s money in name of Loan and showing themselves as Cordon Bleu, I built of my businesses and buildings with my own money. I don’t have any Bank loans anywhere in the world. I believe in the saying ‘Cut your coat according to your cloth’.

He writes, “There is very little time between life and death but there is a big distance. We do so many things in this worldly life which is valueless.” Such expression of thoughts in the pen of an international level entrepreneurial personality means that he undoubtedly flourished himself in a philosophy shape.
When Md. Khaleque stays far away from his wife and children, he feels the real meaning of love and affection. His mind becomes restless when he thinks about the difference between thoughts and physical distance. There does not exist Md. Khaleque in this thought but the presence of a philosopher Khaleque is proved there. The expression of feelings begins to appear in him again. He becomes impatience to return and meet his wife, children and family. This shows how deeply Md. Khaleque loves his wife and family. As soon as he is away, he becomes anxious even in the midst of business.

Md. Khaleque leads a disciplined life. From an early age, he was aware of society and family. He used to wake up early morning, pray five times. He always starts morning and jogging walk at 7.00 , starts exercise at 8.30 and back to home by 10.00 am. He then takes breakfast at 10.30 am, launch at 2.00 pm and dinner at 8.30 pm and goes to bed by 11.30 pm. He believes in the slogan that health is the key to all happiness.
Md. Khaleque had great respect for his father. He never wanted to do anything that would tarnish his family’s honor, considering his father and family’s traditions and status. That is why even at the time of the free and independent life at university, he never pay heed to the call of many of his friends for drinking liquor. He always gives priority to human values
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Md. Khaleque, who is attracted by philosophical thinking, can learn a things considering the reality. How a grain seed with its own essence makes the oasis of the world full of flowers. Dreams are not dreams, dreams must be built in the heart. Dreams must be tied to the heart, must be extinguished and perfected. APJ Abul Kalam, a former president of India, a scientific and philosophical figure, has also pointed out that “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” Though there are differences among the great scholars but there is an impossible similarity in their thoughts.
He is endowed with brilliant results of his children in studies and successes at workplace. So, he says with joy that I am blessed, I am the proud child of my proud father and I am also the father of proud children.

Md. Khaleque has learned things by evaluating in the light of social reality. “Happiness and hobby are very close. If there is happiness, hobby will come. However, when hobby is bought with happiness, happiness often goes away in a bad mood. Happiness becomes haram (forbidden) when many people are overwhelmed by the happiness of their wives and children and when they involve themselves in a party, club, playing golf or alone or in the luxury of the so-called upper class. Happiness does not come to life like this. For happiness, one has to work hard and pursue. Someone who makes so much money, makes the family happy, that man often goes to bring hobbies by happiness and fills his life with sufferings in the luxury of hobbies. You are happily flying around the world with the pain of a hobby and your heart is burning.”

Only a philosophical person can evaluate life in this way. In this regard, one of his friends gave the example that one day his friend was having a colorful drink in a five-star hotel with his beautiful wife. Md. Khaleque scolded his friend and said that all places aren’t for everyone; you should sit at home with your wife and drink. His friend said- Who cares? Later, Md. Khaleque’s words proved right. One day, his friend’s wife eloped with another person leaving his children.

That is why he writes that he should not deprive himself or his wife and children of social, religious and family values by wearing high-quality garments as a hobby. I am in this place with a lot of hardships, but to pursue happiness, one should not take such a mood or dress as a hobby, so that all happiness may fly away from the family.

Md. Khaleque is blessed with five daughters, only one son who are very talented students. His two daughters are Canadian citizenship holder, three USA citizenship and his only son holds US citizen. His eldest daughter, Farzana Yasmin, has graduated from University of Toronto in Business Management and is working as Corporate Manager at CIBC Bank Head Office, Toronto. His second daughter, Humaira Hasin, has graduated from University of Toronto in International Business Management and is working as Human Resources Manager in a Multi National Company in Toronto. His third daughter, Sabya Khaleque, has graduated from Buffalo University in Bio Medical Science. His fourth daughter, Lutfia Khaleque, is studying with full scholarship in University of Wisconsin Madison in International Relation (IR). His only son, Farhan Khaleque, is studying in University of New York with full scholarship in Computer Science. Khaleque’s youngest daughter, Sabrina Khaleque, is a student of Townsend Herris High School, one of the best schools in New York state (US News & World Report 2019), her school grade is 101%, she is expecting to go to Ivy League Universities. Md. Khaleque’s lifeboat is really full to the brim.

During corona pandemic, he reveals how deep his pain is for human. When I wake up, my mother looks like she is alone in a big house in the village with a maidservant. My mother is old, so sometimes I comfort her on the phone. I tell her to be careful. I also tell my siblings to be careful. This is another kind of suffering, it seems that my body is in America, and my mind, thought and consciousness are lying on the soil of Bangladesh which touches my whole body. The enemy which has made the whole world unrest is invisible. Millions of people are being died throughout the world but no one has anything to do. My dear earth, my mother, the soil where my bloodstains are mixed, the soil is infected today. My dear friends are in the procession of death; my siblings are infected by this invisible enemy. This is another trouble! It seems that I am a passenger of an ocean, losing a loved one in front of me, drowning but I am not able to pull the boat. This pain is like a bloodbath, is very familiar. My soil is very hot today – crying for a drop of water, the grain is wailing, today my limbs aren’t working, and my senses are numb. I want to fly but I have wings but no mass. We are experiencing with the back and forth of the scene.

Md. Khaleque says, “I am a mighty warrior – a lost wanderer of losing a loved one, with a wounded, silent, dull frozen body in fear of losing many more unknown loved ones, far away from motherland, dear family and friends. Thus, one can find the portrait of the entrepreneurial personality and philosopher in his deep thoughts. 3

Masud Rob Chowdhury
IT Specialist, Los Angeles

Masud Rob Chowdhury is one of the few Bangladeshi Americans, who has made a name as an IT expert through his innovative works in the USA mainstream technology sector. He has been living in Los Angeles, California since 1982. He came to the United States for pursuing higher education and began his career in Los Angeles after studying Information Technology (IT).
From his childhood, Masud Rob Chowdhury was very talented as a student. He joined Bangladesh Military Academy after graduating from Jhenaidah Cadet College. He got the opportunity to come to America for receiving higher studies after getting Long Commission from BMA. He took higher education in IT there. The environment and lifestyle of the developed countries motivate him to settle down. He thinks that as a Bangladeshi, it is possible to brighten the image of Bangladesh by working on IT in the USA. Thus, he planned to settle in America.
Masud Rob Chowdhury, a visionary and confident man, who has been involved in the IT business with over 500 companies in the USA for more than three decades. These include Southern California Edison, Prot System, CA Utility Commission, Bank of America and HFT. These companies are recognized not only in America, but also all over the world.

Masud Rob Chowdhury is a very kind-hearted and humble person. He is very popular and well-known figure in North America, especially in the Bangladeshi community because of his active involvement in various activities of the Bangladeshi community in North America for a long time. He is involved with many organizations like- Bangladesh Community Los Angeles (BCLA), Bangladesh Community Society (BAS), Federation of Bangladesh Association North America (FOBANA). He is now the president of Jhenaidah Ex-Cadet Association in North America (JEXCA NA Inc.), a charity organization.

Masud Rob Chowdhury started a computer school in Los Angeles in the 90’s. He realized that even with a higher degree in general education, Bangladeshi Americans have to do odd job. In that case, if they are skilled and certified in IT, it will be possible for them to get jobs in the mainstream job market in the USA. Through his institution, many Bangladeshi Americans have got job opportunities in IT, IT industry and IT companies. As a result, Bangladeshi professionals have become direct employees of US Vendor.
Masud Rob Chowdhury is a life-long man. She likes to do social work, gardening and traveling. He shows keen interest watching Bengali dramas. He plays a leading role in various cultural events of the Bangladesh community.
Masud Chowdhury’s wife Shahnaz Chowdhury is an inspiration for all his works. The happy couple is blessed with four children, Nasik Chowdhury, Tasnim Chowdhury, Shabab and Tanha Chowdhury. All of their children give importance to Bengali culture.
Masud Rab Chowdhury believes, “Bangladesh will able to become a developed country through modern technology soon.”

Director

Internet of Things

Intel Corporation

Born on December 20’1969, in Dhaka, Bangladesh – Manash Maitra is the youngest of 3 siblings. His Parents (Father – Late Police officer/ASP, Jagannath Maitra, Mother – Home maker, Kalyani Maitra), raised their 3 sons with humble means dedicated to education. Manash completed Bachelors from BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) in 1993 with honors, then came to USA to pursue MS in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. He joined Intel (Chandler, Arizona) right out of school, in February’1997 and has been with the company ever since. Chandler (Phoenix metropolitan) has become Manash’s home away from motherland, where he lives with his wife, Rachana Maitra and their two beautiful children (Son – Avishek Maitra, Daughter – Monami Maitra).

Mahtab Miah
President BBCCI North-East Region in UK

Mahtab Miah is one of the few British Bangladeshi entrepreneurs who has achieved an extraordinary position in the United Kingdom.
Mr Miah is a prominent business and community leader in the Bangladeshi community in the UK and leads various community organisations as part of his voluntary work. He actively works with the UK Government and other private sectors and financial organisations to assist the Bangladeshi community in the UK and Europe.

Currently, he is director of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) and president of the North East Region of BBCC, since 2013. He is also the presiding Chairman of the Newcastle Bangladeshi Association (NBA) since 2011; and Chairman of Cut Pay Merchant Services Limited.

The visionary Mahtab Miah came to Britain in 1967 at the age of 15, where he experienced many initial struggles in forging a successful path. Settling in the north-east of England, in 1974 he co-established the Motiraj Tandoori Restaurant in Sunderland. The Mahtab Catering Service soon followed in Sunderland. In 1980, he started the Tandoori International Restaurant in South Shields. Finally, in 1990 he opened the famous ‘Vujon’ restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne, a unique fine-dining experience winning him many national awards including the UK Curry Industry’s equivalent of the “Oscars”. The role and contribution of the “Curry Empire” to the British economy is significantly extensive. Under the creative leadership of entrepreneur Mahtab Miah, these Bangladeshi restaurants have taken on a new dimension in modernising and constantly creating new trends in food. The success and reputation of the Bangladeshi catering industry in the UK has been well documented in the mainstream media and politics.
Self-made Mahtab Miah has always performed with utmost determination and sincerity. Although now retired from the catering industry, Mahtab Miah continues his other passions – with a long history of involvement in the politics and economic activities of the country in the spirit of building a prosperous Bangladesh.

A man of many qualities, Mahtab Miah became involved in social activities from an early age.
As a young non-resident Bangladeshi, living in Manchester, Mr Miah took an active role in organising and mobilising other youths to participate in demonstrations and raise funds for the Bangladesh Liberation Movement in 1971; under the Local Action Committee leadership of Mr M.A. Motin and Dr Kabir Choudhury in Manchester, and National leadership of Justice Abu Syed Choudhury. These demonstrations took place locally in the North of England, as well as in historical sites such as Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square in London.
In 1974, he was the coordinator and Chairman of the Sunderland Jame Mosque. At the same time, he served as the founding Chairman of the Sunderland Shapla Jubo Shongo Youth Association, aiming to unite youths of the local Bangladeshi community.

Community leader Mahtab Miah played a key role in the development of the community as Deputy General Secretary of the Tyne and Wear Bangladeshi Association in 1975. Extending to Executive Member of the Tyne and Wear Community Relations Service in 1985, and a member of the Northumbria Police and Community Liaison Group in 1986.

Mahtab Miah’s intellectual efforts under the leadership of political and social organizations have been appreciated by all quarters. He was the Secretary General of the Jatiyo Janata Party North East in 1981, Founder and Chairman of South Tyneside Bangladesh Association in 1984, Chairman of the North East Youth (Jubo Shongo) Association in 1986, Senior Vice Chairman of the Bangladeshi National Party in the United Kingdom in 1993, and Vice Chairman of the Greater Sylhet Development and Welfare Council UK in 1993.
As Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Caterer’s Association UK in 1995, he raised over £25,000 for cyclone aid efforts.
Since becoming Chairman of the (NBA) in 2011, he has contributed in setting up various local initiatives to strengthen the community’s roots to their motherland, including Bangla School, Bangladeshi Community Centre and Jame Masjid. In 2016, Mahtab Miah had the pivotal role of designing and overseeing the development of a new building for the Newcastle Jame Masjid.

In October 2017, the NBA under leadership of Mahtab Miah, initiated the installation of a new deep tube well at a cost of 5 lakh Taka with the help of Oxfam to provide clean drinking water for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. This enables 15,000 refugees to drink pure clean water every day. The NBA has also provided 16 lakh Taka financial assistance to flood victims from Sullah Upzilla in Sunamgonj in 2017.

Amongst many other community initiatives, Mahtab Miah with other trustees of the Nabigonj Education Trust UK established the Nabigonj UK ICT Institute, enabling many students to gain computer-based knowledge.

Mahtab Miah married Syeda Salma, daughter of popular advocate Syed Sarfaraz Ali, a resident of Shah Mostafa Road in Maulvi Bazar. They are proud parents of professionally successful and meritorious Pancharatna. All five of their daughters are highly skilled in their field of profession – one barrister, two dental surgeons, one consultant doctor and one chartered accountant. As a successful father of five talented daughters, Newcastle’s popular magazine “North-East Exclusive” published a cover story about Mahtab Miah titled “Our Father” in August 2004. Another recognition was when Syeda Salma Mahtab was awarded “Mother of the Year” in 2013, a prestigious title granted by television channel, ATN Bangla UK.

In his spare time, Mahtab Miah enjoys travelling and is an avid golfer, who also enjoys angling.

Mahtab Miah is an enlightened man of the time, who is as successful in his career as he is in his family life, which led to him being included in the British Bangladeshi Power 100 in 2013.

Mahfuz Hasan Bhuiyan Dipu
Senior Director,
Enterprise Business Intelligence at one Blood

Many Bangladeshi immigrants have achieved successes in their respective professions through perseverance and self-confidence. Mahfuz Hasan Bhuiyan Dipu is one of them. He is the Senior Director of Enterprise Business Intelligence at One Blood, a world-renowned enterprise business firm. He is the divisional head of One Blood, the US largest research, testing and blood bank.
Mahfuz Bhuiyan hails from a respectable Muslim family of Gopalganj district in Bangladesh. From his childhood, he was very meritorious. He passed SSC exam with distinction from SM Model Government High School. Later, he got admitted to Notre Dame College, one of top colleges in Dhaka. After completing HSC, he received higher from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) as well as Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) later.
Mahfuz Bhuiyan went to abroad to pursue higher education. With a view to extending circle of knowledge, he studied different educational institutions. He obtained Business Intelligence Big Data Certification from Massachusetts Institute. Thereafter, he received Computer and Information Scheme Certificate from University of New Haven. He completed MBA in Finance from University of Hartford and received degree on Enterprise Business Intelligence as ‘Specialist’ from the same university.
Mahfuz Bhuiyan started his career serving as Global Manager in Business Intelligence at Standing Black Decker. Before this, he worked as Manager in Business Intelligence at Travelers Insurance. His skills and experience give him opportunity to work for many well-established companies. He performed duties as IT Manager in Business Intelligence at Orvis Company Inc. VT, a famous company in the US. He is the former Manager of DBA, Enterprise Business Intelligence at Miami Children Hospital.
During the current critical time of coronavirus pandemic, Mahfuz Bhuiyan has got involved in many activities. He believes, “People are for people. People should come forward for helping other people during any calamity. With a view to helping corona-hit people, he has taken some initiatives. Mahfuz Bhuiyan has been operating all programs in America and Bangladesh to save corona patients through plasma therapy. Plasma therapy treatment has been started in Bangladesh after a long work for one and half month. The plasma therapy is undoubtedly a good news for the corona patients.
Mahfuz Bhuiyan is a committed and kind-hearted person. Whenever he gives an interview in media, he highlighted the plasma therapy treatment for the corona patients. He says, “Bangladesh lags behind in many sectors particularly in medical technology sector. The government should put emphasis on this sector.”
Mahfuz Bhuiyan has been working as a Global Leader in Enterprise Business Intelligence for more than 18 years. He is a well-known person in various countries of the world including the USA. He is a specialist on Management Information and IT. He is involved with more than 100 insurance, financial, healthcare, retail and world’s largest companies. His company has been playing a vital role in providing vision and strategy for BI, Software Development, Data Warehouse, Data Management, ETL Process, Process Reengineering, Reporting Tool Design, Testing, world class support and end user training. He is an expert in people management, project management, budget management, change management, documentation, capacity or release management and process improvement.

In fact, his academic background is also excellent. He is a renowned engineer holding with MBA degree in Finance and MS degree in Computer Science. It is regarded that he is a world class specialist because he possess vast knowledge in all things including global business intelligence or information delivery strategy, Data warehousing, Project Management, Data integration strategy, ETL or Meta data, Data Profiling or Mining, Budget Management, Customer Service, People Management, Negotiation Skill, Vendor Management, Product and technology development, Business development, SOX, Audit, Data Management (Governance, Quality, Third Party Data), Process and productivity improvements. He is a proud son of Bangladesh. Currently, he is a local resident of Miami in Florida.

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin
CEO,
Career Partner Australia
Director, Evargo

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin, an educated and talented young man from Bangladesh, went to Australia as skilled migrant after completing his post-graduate degree from Jahangirnagar University and was able to get established there. Quite self-confident, Mr. Mahbub is a former chairperson of the South Australian Bangladesh Community Association and now an advisor of this organization. He is currently working for the World Bangladesh Organization (WBO). Mr. Mahbub is a member of Royal Association of Justice SA Inc. Prior to this, he was the Chief of Human Resources at Covanta Energy. He was the Chairperson of the South Australian Bangladeshi Community Association from June 2018 to June 2019. He served as Chairperson of Impartiality Committee, GRS Certification until May 2020. Mr. Mahbub founded Society for Australia Bangladesh International Business (SABIB) to establish a business relationship with Bangladesh and Australia and Bangladeshi business community worldwide and performing as Founder Director General from the year 2014 till now.

Meritorious student Mahbub Siraz Tuhin holds BA (Honors) and Master of Arts degree from Jahangirnagar University, an MBA from Stamford University Bangladesh and a law degree from Northern University Bangladesh. Mr. Mahbub passed SSC from Bindu Basini Govt. High School, Tangail and HSC from Adamjee Cantonment College. He used to take part in debates during school and college. He currently resides in Adelaide, Australia.
Mahbub Siraz Tuhin received his post-graduate degree from the Australian HR Institute in 2012. Prior to this, he studied Tafe SA, Frontier Education and Technology, Singapore Institute of Management. He also holds a post-graduate diploma in Personnel Management from BIM, Dhaka. Mahbub is a member of Royal Association of Justices SA Inc., Australian Institute of Management and Australian Human Resource Institute. He is also a member of Society Human Resources Management, USA.
After graduation, Mr. Mahbub joined Covanta Energy, USA as Chief of Human Resources. He later became the director of Telephone System International (TSI), a USA based company. He served as the in charge of the Middle East and Central Asia. Returning to Bangladesh, he served as Human Resource Manager at American President Lines (APL), a shipping business company.

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin came to Australia with his family in 2009. In 2014, he got the citizenship here. After many ups and downs, he established ‘Career Partner Australia’ in 2010. This is the first Bangladeshi businessman’s recruitment and career support company in Australia. He then became a director of Evergo, an Australian export-import company which conducts business worldwide. His life took a significant turn in 2014. In that year, he was appointed to Justice of Peace (JP) post at South Australian by South Australian Govt. At that stage, he joined as a member of the Royal Assessment Justice SA Inc.

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin is organizationally skillful from his childhood and engaged himself with various organizations in the Australian mainstream community including Bangladeshi community in Australia. He is a former chairperson and current advisor to the South Australian Bangladeshi Community Association (SABCA), the largest organization of Bangladeshis in South Australia. He served as the editor-in-chief in SABCA’s annual magazine for four times and he generates50,000 dollars for SABCA from there. In the year 2015, Mr. Mahbub took initiative and lead Bangladeshi Community to help Bush Fire victims in South Australia. In 2016, he raised funds for flood victims in Bangladesh. Mr. Mahbub Siraz is a Brand Ambassador of Food Bank Australia and raise fund with the aim of hunger free Australia for mainstream Australians. Under his leadership, the corona-affected people of the mainstream community are being helped including the helpless people in the Bangladeshi community. He along with others has also raised funds for Bangladesh. Mahbub Siraz is also assisting to organize the Consular Camp of Canberra Bangladesh High Commission. He is the project director of the employment program adopted by SABCA and the South Australian Government for the employment of victims in COVID-19.

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin, a talented young man of the time, was the convener of the Australia Chapter at the 2016 Global Summit in Kuala Lumpur. As an entrepreneur, his role is also extensive. He is the CEO and Founder of Career Partner Australia and Founder Director General of Society for Bangladesh Australia International Business (SABIB); Executive Board Member of World Bangladesh Organization (WBO), Paris, French; Chairman of Impartiality Committee, GRS, Brisbane and Justice of Peace for South Australia.

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin leads a disciplined life. He is very happy in his personal life. His wife Shahrukh Naz Anzona was his classmate at Jahangirnagar University. His wife Shahrukh Naz Anzona is also doing a prestigious job in a reputed not for profit organization under lifestyle department. Mr. Mahbub is a father of one son who is currently studying year 11 at Unley High School.

Mahbub Siraz Tuhin’s dream is to utilize his talents, skills, knowledge and global network for the development his beloved motherland specially in his expertise area of human resource development and business under a skill development framework and prepare Bangladeshi young generation as skilled candidate for the global labor market specially in the developed countries like Australia, Canada, USA, Europe.

MR Khan Shahin, CIP
Joint Secretary General
NRB CIP Association

Md. Mahmudur Rahman Khan (Shahin) is one of the dreamers of Bangladesh who started his journey with an intention to establish himself in a world’s best country through his qualifications. He has now widely known as M R Khan (Shahin) in Hong Kong’s Business World. M R Khan (Shahin) has been playing an important role in the economic progress of this country.

MR Khan Shahin is a bright son of the country. He was born in an educated aristocratic family in Noakhali in 1968. His father’s name is late Abdus Satter Khan and mother late Salema Khatun. His father was a railway officer. He spent most of his student life in Chittagong. He passed SSC in 1985 from Nasirabad Govt School, Chittagong and HSC in 1987 from Chittagong Government Commerce College with good results. In HSC examination, he secured second place in Commerce Group in Comilla Board. He completed his Master of Commerce with honors in Accounting from University of Dhaka in 1993.

At that time, the recruitment for the post of Senior Officer/Financial Analyst in the state-owned banks of the country was going on through competitive examination. In 1994, he was hired as a Financial Analyst at Sonali Bank. But, he didn’t join to Sonali Bank. Although other educated youths of the country applied to go to America and European countries, M R Khan (Shahin) made an exceptional decision. He moved to Hong Kong in late 1994.

The number of Bengalis in Hong Kong was negligible. He got a job in a private company by dint of his skills and talents. He spent two years in a well-paid job in a private company. Then, he thought that there was no risk of salary if he got a job, but it would only build his own fortune. There will be no opportunity to do anything for the country and its people. From this thinking, he started his business in garment accessories sourcing and consolidating in 1996. M R Khan (Shahin) is the first batch of Bengalis to conduct business in Hong Kong.

M R Khan (Shahin) checks the feasibility before taking any initiative. He established Rk Resource Company Ltd in 1997 with an aim of doing trading house related to garment sector, export-import business and exporting raw materials to Bangladesh. He is the President and CEO of this company. Through Rk Resources Company M R Khan Shahin has become able to invest a huge amount foreign currency from Hong Kong to Bangladesh every year.

Bangladesh government has honored M R Khan (Shahin) with Commercially Important Person (CIP) for his significant contribution in the national economy through NRB sector. CIP M R Khan (Shahin) says, the industrial and business sector of Bangladesh can rapidly be improved if the government and entrepreneurs pay special attention to foreign fund sourcing. He says that when an entrepreneur borrows from bank at a high interest rate in the country, it is undoubtedly risky to survive in the business sector because the current world is a world of competition. Entrepreneurs in many countries are producing products with only 2% interest or low interest loans and in this way they are able to keep the price of their products low. As a result, it becomes difficult for our entrepreneurs to survive in the international market. Again, the goods that are imported in the country, the domestic products are beaten by the foreign products due to the low price of those products. For this reason, he favors of bringing foreign funds through sourcing for entrepreneurs. He opines, banks can also collect these funds and provide to investors at low interest rate.

Referring to the present government as a ‘business-friendly’, he says, “Bangladesh government provides opportunities to NBR entrepreneurs to invest in the country. NRB Bank has also been established here.”

Regarding the issues of default loans, M R Khan (Shahin) says, it happens due to delay in getting bank loans in the country, corruption and in many cases giving loans to entrepreneurs and proposed industrial businesses without proper verification.
A loyal businessman M R Khan (Shahin) says that every bank needs an ‘Asset Manager’ who will arrange low interest loans between banks and entrepreneurs in connection with sourcing. He is the Joint Secretary General of the NRB CIP Association.
M R Khan (Shahin) has got married to Shahnaz Mahmud. They are blessed with 1 daughter and 2 sons. The elder daughter is studying in Bryn Mawr college in Pennsylvania, USA. The other two children are studying in Hong Kong.
According to M R Khan (Shahin), children are not only an asset to their parents but also an asset to the society and country. Invest on children’s education is the best investment. To make a developed country, we must raise them with proper education.